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Friday, October 27, 2006

Why do you believe that?

I’m hoping to add a regular series titled “Why do you believe…?” where those who wish can discuss their reasons for adhering to certain beliefs and doctrines. I don’t intend for the discussion to become controversial but to be informative. I am convinced I don’t know everything. It maybe that I know more than anyone else, but still not everything. ;-)

Please feel free to address others that comment in these discussions but please refrain from making reference to character or qualifications and address only the reasoning.

For my first question I would like to ask, why do you believe the Bible (or not)?

My heart is pierced by the Word, and I though I could ascribe reason as giving me some intuitive sense of the Bible's consistency, coherence, and truth, particularly as it relates to prophecies fulfilled in Christ, my conviction is ultimately to be found in my abiding faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord is the author and finisher of my faith.

Hi KC.Great series idea.I believe the Bible because ...I first believed it because I was presented with its many prophecies that had been fulfilled to a T. I was explained the law of prophets - where they get stoned if they are not right in an immediate prophecy. Only after that, they are listened to on far-reaching matters. I was shown the prophecies regarding the first coming of Messiah and I was convinced that it was true - there was some "inside information" given to those who wrote them. At this time, I decided to read the whole thing - it seemed a very special book! I think after that (and during, of course) the Holy Spirit showed me that this was God's Word.

Well, as you know, this year has been huge for me. I started a journey of reading the Bible, which has led me down a wonderful path. That path led me to Jesus. That voice inside me told me to read the Word; and so I did. What I found was everything I tried so hard to find on my own. I cannot know God if I don't read His Word.

Psalm 119:16 holds a very special place in my heart. "I delight in your statutes; I will not forget your Word." (ESV).

Adam that highlights an important distinction that Gordon brought out and I failed to make. Even though we believe the bible is true by faith, that faith is strengthened as it is tried. (This also relates to the difference between temptation and the trying of our faith). The question, “Why do you believe the bible?” is different from, “Why did you first believe the bible?”

Your side note shall be my next “Why do you believe” question on Friday. ;-)

I used to believe that the Bible was a myth, a bunch of stories written about God by different authors. I used to believe that there were other equivalent sources of authority. I was even formally trained and engrained with this information. I used to doubt what God said because I couldn't trust what others important in my life said either. I did not like what it said in many cases and felt justified in rejecting those parts and living how and believing what I wanted.

Then, I heard the Gospel for the first time in my heart and I believed in Christ for salvation. I believe the Bible because the Holy Spirit testified to my soul of it's validity, truth, infallibility, and authority over my life. Now, it has one voice when I read it. It helps me to learn more about my Father and Jesus whom I love. It also shows me how very little I really do know and am capable of understanding on my own. It, through the Holy Spirit, convicts me of my sin and then assures me of my pardon. It is precious.

When I first started studying the Bible with a coupla Christians, it was very easy to point out that I was a sinner and that I needed to change. They didn't need the Bible to prove that! MAN I was messed up! But anyway, I studied with them about the Church, Sin and Righteousness, who was Jesus, the Word of God, and a host of other studies. But when they did a study that walked through the OT prophecies and where in the NT they were fulfilled, I was blown away! What an amazing book!.I have learned a thing or two about Jesus over the last 19 years. I can tell you that now, Jesus is why I believe the Bible. That and the fact that there are so few references to Jesus outside of the Bible from the writings of the people His day. I believe the fact that there are so few is because God didn't want us to believe in Jesus based on things outside of Scripture.Christains only need Scripture.Non-believers want more proof, and so will never "get it."